The discussion revolves around the energy transferred to electrons and the implications when that energy is insufficient to induce a quantum leap. Participants explore whether this energy results in changes to momentum or energy, particularly in the context of electrons in atomic orbitals versus free electrons.
Participants express differing views on the relationship between energy transfer, momentum, and energy changes in electrons, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.
The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the nature of electrons (free vs. bound) and the specific conditions under which energy transfer occurs.
If it changed the electron's momentum, it will certainly change it's energy too._PJ_ said:What happens to the energy transferred to, say, an electron, if it is not enough to affect a quantum leap?
Is it merely transferred to a change of momentum?
Unless you can apply excited states to free electrons, then yes, since quantum leaps are only attributed to the energy levels defined by such "orbitals" in my understanding.Are you referring to electrons in atomic orbitals?
I don't see how any interaction with a photon CANNOT affect the energy of an electron. Please explaion what you mean by "If".lightarrow said:If it changed the electron's momentum, it will certainly change it's energy too.